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EPIC Empowering People in Care

@epiconline.ie
154 followers 200 following 210 posts

National rights-based advocacy organisation working with and for children in care and young people with care experience. #CareAware

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 19h
“Vetting is the first line of defence in the protection of children in care. If that basic standard is not met or avoided, that would be a breach of trust that EPIC would believe it is difficult to move past." - Wayne Stanley, CEO Read more: www.dublininquirer.com/tusla-report...
dublininquirer.com
Tusla reported seven companies that run children’s homes to Gardaí over Garda-vetting concerns
“Any organisation that does not rigorously enforce Garda vetting for every adult working with children is failing in its fundamental duty of care," says Terry Dignan, of the Children's Residential and...
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 25/09/2026
EPIC have released our Pre-Budget Submission 2027! Our submission is shaped by what children and young people tell us about the challenges and gaps they face when accessing support and services. Read here and let your local representatives know you support our recommendations ⬇️
epiconline.ie
Pre-Budget Submission 2027
Pre-Budget Submission 2027 Introduction to EPIC’s Pre-Budget Submission Meeting the Challenges and Opportunities Ahead EPIC’s Pre-Budget Submission 2027 is grounded in our direct engagement with child...
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 09/09/2026
A new HIQA report has raised concerns about children being placed in hotel rooms when appropriate emergency placements cannot be found, including the additional safeguarding risks these arrangements can create. www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
irishtimes.com
Tusla housing children in hotel rooms poses ‘significant’ safety risks, says watchdog
Children outside Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow receive poorer level of service, according to Hiqa
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 02/09/2026
Applications for these job posts close this Friday at 5:00 PM ⏰ EPIC is looking for an Advocacy Officer (Dublin Regions) and an Advocacy Administrator (Based in Dublin or Cork). Learn more on our website: www.epiconline.ie/work-with-us/ #EPIC #Care #Children #YoungPeople #Ireland
EPIC (Empowering People in Care) is hiring for two roles. Advocacy Officer (Dublin Regions) and Advocacy Administrator (Dublin or Cork). Applications close on 4 September. Apply now via the EPIC careers page.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 01/09/2026
Speaking to RTE, Wayne Stanley highlights the importance of identifying when children and families are beginning to struggle, and offering support early - rather than waiting until things reach crisis point.
rte.ie
State lacks dedicated strategy for children in care
As Autumn approaches and the news cycle moves on, questions over the M9 crash will likely fade. Not so for the injured family and their loved ones, the tragedy of that crash is something they will hav...
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 27/08/2026
Congratulations to everyone who received a CAO offer this week! 😊 If you're care-experienced, it's worth getting in touch with your Access Office when you start college 📌 (⬇️)
Person studying at a desk with books, notes and a computer. Graphic promoting EPIC's resource, "Access offices support care-experienced students in higher education".
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 25/08/2026
Every young person in care has rights. Do you know yours? 📢 Next set of cards from 'Hear Me Out', a rights-based card game based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Discover all 18 Hear Me Out cards and learn more at epiconline.ie 🎴
Graphic showing a fan of children's rights cards, text that says "Hear Me Out! A Rights-Based Card Game", conversation speech bubble icons, and logos for EPIC and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.Card of Article 8 (Preservation of Identity), with a graphic of an exclamation mark and question mark. Card of Article 12 (The Right to Be Heard), with a graphic of a megaphone.Card of Article 13 (Freedom of Expression), with a graphic of lips and a speech bubble. Card of Article 14 (Freedom of Religion), with a graphic of the Earth surrounded by religious symbols.Card of Article 16 (Protection of Privacy), with a graphic of a padlock. Graphic introducing the Hear Me Out! rights-based card game, featuring a link to epiconline.ie, the game box artwork.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 24/08/2026
Join the EPIC team! 😊📣 We are currently hiring an Advocacy Officer (Dublin Regions) and an Advocacy Administrator (Dublin or Cork) 🤝 Learn more and apply: www.epiconline.ie/work-with-us/ Applications close for both roles: Friday, September 4th at 5:00 PM #EPIC #jobfairy #irishjobs #advocacy
EPIC recruitment advertisement. Applications close September 4th. Open positions: Advocacy Officer (Dublin Regions) and Advocacy Administrator (Dublin or Cork). Apply now. EPIC Empowering People in Care.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 21/08/2026
It's Leaving Cert Results Day! We're thinking of you and cheering you on today 👏 No matter the outcome, be proud of all you have achieved. Reaching this point has taken a lot of hard work, resilience, and determination, and that's worth celebrating 😊
A message to all leaving cert students saying well done. "Well done" is handwrote on a pink note with a pin in it, and the message is decorated with stars. EPIC's logo is top right.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 21/08/2026
Today's article in the Dublin Inquirer highlights the ongoing placement crisis across the care system, alongside the staffing shortages that are contributing to the pressure. www.dublininquirer.com/as-tusla-str...
dublininquirer.com
As Tusla struggles with shortage of places for kids, a mostly-empty home had to stop taking children because of staffing problems
“There was not sufficient experience or stability among the team to provide safe and effective care,” says the Tusla inspection report.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 18/08/2026
Don't miss out ⏰ Applications close this Friday, August 21st at 5:00 PM. Learn more here: www.epiconline.ie/work-with-us...
Recruitment advertisement for a Research and Policy Officer position in Dublin at EPIC Empowering People in Care, with a call-to-action to apply now.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 05/08/2026
We're hiring! 📣 We are currently recruiting for three roles: - Advocacy Administrator (Cork or Dublin) - Advocacy Officer (Dublin Regions) - Research and Policy Officer (Dublin) To find out more and apply, visit: www.epiconline.ie/work-with-us
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 31/07/2026
Knowing your rights is the first step to using them 🗣️ Young people in care came together to develop Hear Me Out, a rights-based card game that helps care-experienced children and young people discover, understand and talk about their rights.
Graphic showing a fan of children's rights cards, text that says "Hear Me Out! A Rights-Based Card Game", and conversation speech bubble icons.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 30/07/2026
The Mental Health Commission has launched a public consultation on the draft National Standards for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
mhcirl.ie
New draft standards for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Public Consultation | Mental Health Commission
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Reposted by EPIC Empowering People in Care
Ombudsman for Children's Office @ocoireland.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Have you seen the news? The OCO is campaigning for the full and direct incorporation of the UNCRC into Irish law. To make children’s rights real. Find out how YOUR organisation can get involved in our campaign, here: www.oco.ie/childrens-ri...
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 24/07/2026
Yesterday, members of the EPIC Youth Council met with Kate Duggan, CEO of TUSLA, in our Limerick office to follow up on previous discussions. The Council raised concerns about the accessibility of aftercare services and media consciousness about the language used when discussing children in care.
Group photo taken at EPIC Empowering People In Care's Limerick office showing six members of the EPIC Youth Council alongside Kate Duggan, CEO of TUSLA, and Katie Fleming, EPIC Youth Engagement and Participation Worker. The group stands in front of large windows in a meeting room, wearing a mix of casual and smart casual clothing.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 23/07/2026
We are looking for a Research and Policy Officer to join our team 📢 This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong research and analytical skills who is passionate about children's rights and committed to influencing positive change 😊 Find out more: www.epiconline.ie/work-with-us...
Promotional recruitment graphic for EPIC (Empowering People in Care). The image features the text "We're hiring! Research and Policy Officer (Dublin)" in large blue lettering on a light textured background. A red hand drawn arrow points towards the job title. On the right, a person wearing a blue jumper is seated at a desk, writing in an open book, with a laptop and several stacked books visible in the foreground. At the bottom of the image is a red "Apply now" button with a hand cursor icon, alongside the EPIC logo and the tagline "empowering people in care".
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 13/07/2026
Great to see EPIC Advocate Brenda and EPIC Youth Council member Andrea at the Irish Foster Care Association Conference in Moycullen this weekend. Thanks to @irishfostercare.bsky.social for a fantastic event and for having us! 💜
EPIC Advocate Brenda and EPIC Youth Council member Andrea stand together in front of an EPIC banner at the Irish Foster Care Association Conference. The banner highlights EPIC’s mission, “empowering people in care,” and its values of being empowering, rights-based, inclusive and ambitious.EPIC information stand at the Irish Foster Care Association Conference featuring advocacy resources, care information booklets, publications, badges and promotional materials displayed alongside an EPIC banner outlining the organisation’s mission and values.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 09/07/2026
EPIC welcomes Tusla’s announcement that Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs) are to be subject to greater regulation and oversight. Bringing emergency placements within an inspection and governance framework is an important step towards strengthening safeguards for children in care.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 02/07/2026
Our CEO Wayne Stanley was delighted to attend today's launch of the Irish Foster Care Association's Pre-Budget Submission 2027.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 29/06/2026
We had so much fun at Dublin Pride on Saturday! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Thank you to Belong To for inviting us to breakfast and for walking with you in the parade 🙌 We marched for all LGBTQ+ young people in care and with care-experience 💜
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 29/06/2026
"Accountability and investment are not mutually exclusive. Children in care and young care-leavers deserve both." Read our CEO Wayne Stanley's letter to the editor in today's Irish Times: www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lett...
irishtimes.com
Letters to the Editor, June 29th: On dirty Dublin, private maternity care and World Cup water breaks
As a taxpayer and as someone who genuinely loves this city, I am embarrassed
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 26/06/2026
Huge congratulations to the young people in Include Youth’s Give and Take Programme in Tallaght 🥳 The programme supports young people in aftercare to build skills, confidence and real opportunities for the future 🙌 Members of EPIC’s YEP team were delighted to join such a brilliant day 💜
A speaker stands at a podium with an Include Youth logo in a decorated hall during a celebration event. Behind the speaker are banners with graduation themed designs and messages including “Happy Graduation” and “We Are Proud of You”. An audience is visible in the foreground, and the space includes high ceilings, green wall panels and bright decorations.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 29/05/2026
Thomas and Katie were delighted to be invited by a young person to celebrate completing a full month of Play All May at Ballydowd Special Care Unit 👏 A month of daily movement, fun activities and confidence building, finished with a BBQ, ice cream van and bouncy castle 🥳
Thomas and Katie from EPIC's Youth Engagement and Participation Team. They are each holding an ice cream with strawberry sauce and a chocolate flake. They are wearing EPIC and rainbow lanyards.On the grass, there is a bouncy castle with a large tiktok logo at the entrance. There is also an ice-cream van.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 26/05/2026
EPIC is inviting proposals from qualified and regulated financial advisory firms to provide independent pension, financial and governance advice to the organisation and its pension scheme members. Submission deadline: 5pm, Monday 15th June 2026 📅 Learn more: www.epiconline.ie/work-with-us...
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 23/05/2026
“We’re very resilient. If I’m having a bad day, I’m like, ‘Well, I’ve come this far.’” Four members of the EPIC Youth Council spoke with Patrick Freyne for @irishtimes.com about their experiences growing up in care and their work advocating for other young people.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 22/05/2026
Earlier this week, EPIC joined colleagues from Inclusion Ireland to present to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability on the need for advocacy services for children with disabilities. You can read our full presentation here: www.epiconline.ie/news/joint-c...
Stood outside Leinster House: Gáibhin McGranaghan, Policy and Parliamentary Affairs Lead at Inclusion Ireland, Derval McDonagh, CEO of Inclusion Ireland, Wayne Stanley, CEO of EPIC, and Róisín Webb, EPIC Research and Policy Manager.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 21/05/2026
EPIC CEO Wayne Stanley was delighted to attend the launch of the @ocoireland.bsky.social's 2025 Annual Report this morning We’re proud to support the OCO and their work championing the rights of children and young people across Ireland, including young people in care 🤝
EPIC's CEO Wayne Stanley with Tricia Keilthy, Head of Policy at the Ombudsman for Children's Office. They are holding the Ombudsman for Children's Office's 2025 Annual Report.Pictured is the top of the Ombudsman for Children's Office's 2025 Annual Report. Partially visible text reads: Children's Rights In The Balance.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 12/05/2026
The Department of Education and Youth hosted the second Convention on Education session last weekend. EPIC's Education Project Manager, Tara Madden, represented EPIC, bringing care-experienced perspectives into the conversation.
Tara Madden with an attendee at the convention. They are standing in front of a large Convention on Education banner reading “Convention on Education. Our Schools. Our Future.” The banner features colourful panels and images of children and young people.Multiple groups of people sat at tables, engaging in active discussion.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 07/05/2026
Child protection and safeguarding must remain at the centre of how the State responds to age-disputed young people seeking international protection. EPIC recognises both the complexity of age assessment processes and the serious consequences of getting decisions wrong.
irishtimes.com
Almost 300 asylum seekers claiming to be children were adults, Oireachtas committee told
Tusla says age assessment of unaccompanied minors has been an issue of significant risk in recent years
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 05/05/2026
EPIC’s National Advocacy Service supports children and young people in care, aftercare, and anyone with care experience up to age 26 🗣️ Our Advocates provide free, confidential, independent support to help you understand your rights and have your voice heard 🤝
A grid of headshots showing EPIC’s advocacy team. Above the images is text that reads “Advocates work with children in care & young care-leavers across Ireland.” The EPIC logo and website appear below.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 30/04/2026
Today is National Voter Registration Day! This is your reminder to check you’re registered to vote and ready to have your say 🗳️ If you’re newly 18, registering for the first time, or you’ve moved or changed details, check the register today! 👉 checktheregister.ie
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 30/04/2026
“Be sound.” - That’s what care-experienced students are asking of the adults around them. Our recent seminar at the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival brought together education and care partners to talk about what really helps: understanding, consistency and practical support.
youtube.com
"Be Sound" Seminar: Getting Education Right for Children in Care and Care-Leavers
YouTube video by EPIC - Empowering People in Care
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 24/04/2026
This week we hosted the "Be Sound" seminar in Cork as part of the Lifelong Learning Festival 🙌 The seminar focused on what supports care-experienced young people to succeed in education, including understanding, consistency and practical support across schools, further and higher education 📚
Wide shot of the crowd at the Be Sound seminar event.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 21/04/2026
This event is tomorrow! ⏰ There's still time to get your tickets: www.eventbrite.ie/e/be-sound-g...
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 16/04/2026
A proud moment from earlier this year, when we received @belong-to.bsky.social's Rainbow Award for our Inclusion and Best Practice in LGBTQ youth work 🌈💜 www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8zn...
youtube.com
What makes youth spaces inclusive? - Belong To Rainbow Award Ceremony 2026
YouTube video by Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 16/04/2026
Yesterday, EPIC YEP staff and our Youth Council attended Tusla’s National Aftercare Conference in Athlone 😊 Stands, workshops and talks created space to have open conversations about aftercare in Ireland 🤝 Our Youth Council members really enjoyed taking part 💜
EPIC YEP staff and EPIC Youth Council on the train together. On screen text reads “EPIC Youth Council: On our way to the Tusla Aftercare Conference”.  


EPIC Youth Council seated together at a table in a conference room. On screen text reads “EPIC Youth Council: Registered and ready”.  An EPIC advocate and an EPIC Youth Council member standing at the EPIC information stand, with a banner and leaflets on the table. On screen text reads “EPIC Youth Council: Hi from the EPIC stand with Criomhthann. We are getting to chat about EPIC with attendees too”.  

An EPIC Youth Council member speaking to a room of people, holding a sheet of paper, with a presentation screen behind them. On screen text reads “EPIC Youth Council: Kai’s speech then education workshop” and “Go Kai!”.  EPIC Youth Council members standing together for group photos at the conference. On screen text reads “EPIC Youth Council: Cute haha”.  


A collage showing group photos, conference tables and event branding. On screen text includes “Tusla Aftercare Conference” and “EPIC Youth Council: Thanks for the great day gang”.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 16/04/2026
Over the Easter break, EPIC’s Care Community enjoyed fun, creative, and skill building activities, including go karting, barista training, and kayaking in Donegal, spray painting in Cork and Dublin, a visit to Dublin Zoo, and a relaxed pizza and board games session in Limerick ✨
Images in a polaroid format showing go-karting, barista training, kayaking, spray painting, a visit to the Zoo, and a whiteboard saying "Welcome to EPIC Limerick".
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 14/04/2026
From The Irish Times, "I was previously in care. What education supports might be available?" 📚 This article focuses on education supports for people with care-experience in Cork and Kerry, while also pointing out wider options across Ireland 💜 Check it out: www.irishtimes.com/ireland/educ...
Screenshot of an Irish Times education article titled “I was previously in care – what education supports might be available?”, shown on a purple background. The Irish Times masthead and article headline are clearly visible, with the lower portion of the article fading out.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 08/04/2026
As part of the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival, EPIC is hosting a seminar focused on the barriers and supports that shape the educational journeys of care-experienced students. Date: Wednesday 22nd April 2026 📅 Time: 10.00am🕒 Location: Millennium Hall, Cork 📍
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 31/03/2026
Happy Transgender Day of Visibility! 🏳️‍⚧️ Today, we celebrate trans and non-binary people everywhere ✨ At EPIC, we stand with care-experienced young people of all identities. Everyone deserves to be themselves without fear and to grow with confidence 🫶
A graphic with a soft purple gradient background. On the left is the EPIC logo with the text “empowering people in care”. Below it, the words “Transgender Day of Visibility” appear in purple handwritten style text. At the bottom, the date “March 31st 2026” is written. On the right side, horizontal paint strokes in blue, pink, white, pink and blue represent the transgender flag.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 27/03/2026
The Children’s Rights Alliance has launched their 2026 Report Card, assessing how well the Government is delivering on commitments to children and young people. An EPIC Youth Council member spoke at the launch, bringing lived experience into the discussion.
A teal graphic featuring the cover design for the Children’s Rights Alliance “Report Card 2026.” At the top left, the Children’s Rights Alliance logo appears with the tagline “Uniting Voices For Children.” Large white text in the centre reads “Report Card,” with “2026” displayed in white text inside an orange rounded rectangle. The background includes faint line‑drawn icons related to children, learning, and care, such as books, letters, and simple figures.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 26/03/2026
RTÉ News covered the launch of The Ombudsman for Children's Office 'Let’s Get It Right' report on Tuesday. They spoke with EPIC CEO Wayne Stanley and EPIC Youth Council member Kai Brosnan, who shared important insights into the care system. Read the full RTÉ article here www.rte.ie/.../0324/156...
Taken inside the Mansion House, Dublin, the background shows crests representing previou Lord Mayor of Dublin. On a big screen, you see a presentation slide "Let's get it right! A rights-based vision for children in care. March 2026".
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 25/03/2026
We were delighted to attend the launch of the Ombudsman for Children's 'Let’s Get It Right' report in Dublin yesterday 😊 Speaking at the event was EPIC Youth Council member, Kai. He spoke about his experience in care and the challenges he had encountered.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 19/03/2026
Every care-experienced child and young person should have clear information about their rights and the support available to them 💜 These leaflets explain what an EPIC Advocate does and how we support children and young people in care and in after care: www.epiconline.ie/library/advo...
A graphic shows three EPIC Advocacy Service leaflets side by side. The first leaflet has a pink background with an illustrated young person and the text “Advocacy Service for Children in Care”. The second leaflet has a red background and shows two young people sitting together, with the text “Advocacy Service for Children and Young People in Care”. The third leaflet has a teal and navy background and shows young people talking together, with the text “Advocacy Service for Young People in Care”. Below the leaflets is the EPIC logo with the words “Empowering People in Care” and the heading “Advocacy Resources”.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 15/03/2026
Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge faoi lán seoil! ☘️ Roinn Kai ó Chomhairle Óige EPIC teachtaireacht físe chun an tseachtain a cheiliúradh 😊 Téigh chuig SnaG.ie chun tuilleadh eolais agus acmhainní a fháil 📚 @snagaeilge.bsky.social
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 13/03/2026
EPIC’s National Advocacy Service works with children and young people in foster care, relative foster care, residential care, special care, and youth detention. We also work with young people in aftercare services and anyone with care experience, up to the age of 26 🗣️
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 12/03/2026
Highlights from Care Day 🎉 Children and young people in care from across Ireland joined us for games, creativity and community 💜 Thank you to Core Youth Service, our brilliant facilitators and everyone who supported the day 🙌 Care Day is funded by the Dept. of Children, Disability and Equality 😊
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 11/03/2026
New figures obtained by RTE show 1,121 children in State care were placed in Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs) last year, almost double the number in 2023. www.rte.ie/news/ireland...
rte.ie
Tusla placed 1,121 children in unregulated care last year
Figures obtained by RTÉ News show more than 1,100 children in Tusla's care were placed in unregulated Special Emergency Arrangements throughout last year.
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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 06/03/2026
There is still time to contribute before the public consultation on the National Alternative Care Strategy closes next Thursday 12 March 2026 ⏰ www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
gov.ie
Public Consultation on the National Policy Framework for Alternative Care
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